The Football Forecast

Match Forecast: Burnley v Manchester City

In the weekend’s early kick-off, Manchester City travel to Turf Moor in search of three points to extend their ever growing lead at the top.

Burnley are having an exceptionally good season so far, being seventh at the start of February is something that fans would only dream about, so for their dreams to be made a reality is something special.

Thoughts ahead of the game

Although Sean Dyche’s side are all but certain to stay up this season, it would be a mistake for them to take their foot off the gas, they should build on this momentum as they’re creating something special here. To be seventh – one place behind Arsenal is nothing short of incredible.

Manchester City, on the other hand, have dropped four points away all season, and they don’t look as though they’re going to falter any time soon.

The last time they met [in the league] was in October. Manchester City won 3-0 to extend their then five-point lead at the top. Their last meeting was in the FA Cup earlier last month. Despite a first-half goal from Ashley Barnes, a second-half fightback from Manchester City with two goals from Aguero, plus one each from Leroy Sane and Bernardo Silva saw the 2011 FA Cup winners through to the fourth round.

Sergio Aguero celebrates his goal

The Clarets haven’t beaten The Citizens since March 2015, and that result put a huge dent on the leaders’ title challenge that season. The circumstances are different now, but can Burnley hand Manchester City their second defeat of the season?

George Boyd celebrates his goal with Kieran Trippier and Danny Ings

Leroy Sane takes on Jóhann Berg Guðmundsson in the third round of the FA Cup

Team news

James Tarkowski is possible to return following a groin injury that was sustained which lead to him missing out on the draw at Newcastle in the week.

Steven Derfour is set to miss up to two month due to a knee injury.

Guardiola notifies that Benjamin Mendy is “much, much better”, and will be available to train within two months or March.

David Silva was unable to train yesterday, and is recovering following a kick to the side. The manager says that he’ll [Silva] be checked up on today.

Fernandinho is free to play as the FA chose not to take retrospective action against the Brazilian for stand on Grzegorg Krychowiak’s leg.

Prediction

This is a comprehensive win for Manchester City on paper, but Burnley have rocked the boat before, but given that they haven’t won since beating Stoke City 1-0 at home in December, a win here is needed to maintain their top 10 spot.

Burnley’s record, coupled with the fact that they face a yearning side this weekend doesn’t make easy reading, but I expect them to give it a go, especially as their playing at home.